She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 27

**Chapter 27**

Stella stood rooted to the spot, her eyes following the car as it gradually disappeared from view. A heavy sigh escaped her lips, a mix of relief and resignation. With a deliberate motion, she gathered her books, feeling their weight in her arms, and made her way toward the administration building. The ache in her calves was a reminder of the time she’d spent sitting, lost in thought, and now it was time to move on.

Inside Kieran’s car, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Colin Klein, a middle-aged man with a sharp gaze, broke the silence. “Mr. Somerton seems particularly ambitious this time around. He appears more than ready to take you on,” he remarked, his voice steady yet probing.

Kieran scoffed, irritation flashing across his face. “I’m not intimidated by him!” he snapped, his grip tightening on the car door handle as if it could somehow shield him from the impending confrontation.

Today was significant; the Fulton family was hosting a grand banquet. The Fultons and the Somertons had enjoyed a long-standing relationship, their ties woven tightly through years of friendship and intermarriage. Kieran felt a familiar sense of unease as he recalled the history between the two families.

Angela Fulton, Theodore’s mother, was not just any relative; she was Kieran’s mother-in-law and the second daughter of the Fultons. This connection meant that family gatherings were frequent, filled with laughter and shared meals, but also an underlying current of rivalry, especially with the Somertons.

As Kieran pulled into the Fulton residence, he noticed the Somertons’ car already parked, a clear sign of their presence. The moment he stepped inside, the sounds of animated conversation and laughter washed over him like a wave, filling the air with warmth and familiarity.

Natalia, his wife, spotted him immediately. “Look at him, Eloise,” she said, shaking her head in mock exasperation. “The old geezer can’t sit still for a single day. He runs off to Justicia University at the slightest chance!”

Kieran stepped further into the room, a playful smirk on his lips. “What else would I do? Stare at you oldies all day? I need some youthful energy around me!” he shot back, his tone teasing yet affectionate.

“Fine, you’re right,” Natalia replied, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile.

Eloise, ever the peacemaker, added, “Kieran has a point. Interacting with the young keeps us feeling youthful as well.”

Kieran plopped down on the couch, glancing over at David, a family friend. “You know, if you’re just going to sit around all day, you should come out with me. Your fishing skills are stagnating!” he challenged, his competitive spirit ignited.

David couldn’t help but roll his eyes dramatically. “At least I’m better than you,” he retorted, a grin creeping onto his face.

“Is that what you think? Let’s have a match right now! Colin, get the fishing rods ready!” Kieran declared, his competitive nature shining through.

David smirked, undeterred. “You really think I’m scared of a little competition? I’m game right now!”

The laughter from Natalia and Eloise filled the room, their amusement at the banter between the two old friends evident.

As the evening progressed, most of the Fulton family members who resided in Justicia arrived just in time for dinner. Yelena, Harry’s wife, added her warmth to the gathering, making the atmosphere even more vibrant.

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